Revision 11014: Commitment to Aitchison College · Aitchison Collection Explorer

August 16, 2016 Commitment to Aitchison College Dear Parents, Re: Commitment to Aitchison College The College makes a very considerable commitment to providing unmatched facilities for sport, which is a core part of our educational offering. Involvement is not just a personal responsibility (and advantage), it underpins the whole enjoyment and success of what we do. It also justifies the Board of Governors providing money for developing our sports and activities. Boys who play outside and who do not commit to College teams (or even practice) when they are either selected or would be if available, are simply not upholding the expectations of Aitchison. I sometimes hear that boys are better off playing outside if they wish to make representative teams. As a former national representative, I can attest to the superior value of playing with good school teams, primarily because these are irreplaceable memories one can never get back, once gone. It is, therefore, tragic that some boys will only have memories of a classroom. It is wise to consider that talent will always force its way into representative teams; as they say, the cream rises to the surface. Schooldays are relatively short and it is very sad to notice some boys losing out. Notwithstanding, Aitchison will never stand in the way of a boy playing (or swimming) representative sport, but a boy’s first commitment is to the College. This is the condition on entering Aitchison. In simple terms, this means it is unacceptable to absent from school sport without permission from the Principal and certainly without explanation to the relevant coach. It is also bad manners and pays scant respect to the practice sessions held, the efforts of coaches, other team members, and the inestimable value of the impact talented sportsmen can have on those around them. In everything there is a balance. Boys who absent without advice or explanation from sport when selected will not be considered for leadership positions. Genuine reasons are always accepted, but silence is not. Kind regards, Michael Thomson M.A., Dip. Ed., M.A.C.E Principal

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